Since its founding in 1961, the St. Rose Hospital Auxiliary has played a vital role not only in the hospital's physical growth but also in the warm and compassionate care that is the hospital's hallmark.

The Auxilians, who give selflessly of their time and energy, have much of which to be proud. To date, they have raised an impressive $1M, critically needed funds that have gone toward the remodeling of the Family Birthing Center, the Silva Clinic, the mobile van and many other projects. Their donations, which average $30,000 annually, currently help to underwrite the renovation of the hospital's main lobby. The Auxilians raise these funds from the Gift Shop's proceeds as well as through a variety of much-loved events and activities, including the popular Christmas Boutique.

In 2010, the Auxilians celebrate another "million" milestone. Over the past 50 years, they have contributed one million hours of service, volunteering in the Gift Shop, at the front desk, in the ER and wherever else they are needed. Often, the Auxilians are the first, and always smiling, faces patients see when they enter the hospital.

Their achievements were celebrated with a luncheon under the Grand White Tent on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Michael Mahoney (President & CEO, St. Rose Hospital), Pam Russo (St. Rose Foundation and Marketing Executive Director), Renee Snyder (Manager, Auxiliary) and other staff thanked and paid tribute to the volunteers. As a mark of respect, staff served lunch. Castro Valley ventriloquist John Stallknecht (mr1drfull@sbcglobal.net) and his friends "Howard" and "Hattie" provided entertainment before an appreciative audience.

"This wonderful milestone is about the generous men and women of the Auxiliary, some of whom have been with us for more than 30 years," says Rose Anne Ryken, President of the Auxiliary which has about 60 active volunteers. "We all get personal gratification by reaching out and helping others because we see how much it means to them when we go that extra step and nothing means more to us than when we get a smile in return."

"I came to St Rose as an Auxilian in 1996. I like to keep busy and had family who worked here. I've worked at the desk, in transcription, in the Gift Shop and wherever they need me. I used to work two days each week, gave up a day when new volunteers joined but am available should they need an extra pair of hands. The hospital treats us very well; they understand the importance of quality relationships. That goes a long way. I've enjoyed every moment here," said youthful 91-year old Margaret Durham, Treasurer, Gift Shop. "There's always a need for volunteers and there are always places at which to volunteer. Choose something you find interesting and enjoy doing and it will give you a tremendous amount of satisfaction."

"The St. Rose Hospital Auxilians are held in the highest esteem. Thank you to all the volunteers, past and present, who have provided an invaluable service to our patients, employees and physicians for 50 years," concluded Renee Snyder, Manager, Auxiliary.